Ft. Meigs in Toledo to host 1st Siege 1813: War of 1812 Re-enactment & Memorial Day Ceremony

The British are coming! Smell the smoke from the campfire; hear the crackle of muskets and the roar of artillery as United States soldiers, British soldiers and Woodland Indian warriors re-create historic 1813 battles at Fort Meigs. Visit Fort Meigs on May 28th and 29th and see recreated battles, musket and artillery demonstrations, and camp life demonstrations.

Tour American and British military encampments and watch musket and cannon firing demonstrations. Explore a Woodland Indian encampment to learn about the Ohio Shawnee. Hands-on activities are offered all weekend long. Try your hand at washing clothes 1812-style, play the Native American game of double ball, or learn how to drill like a War of 1812 soldiers.

Returning this year is “1813 Patrol” and a ladies tea. All ladies are invited to attend the tea and learn more about 1812-era food and crafts. Join an “1813 Patrol” and accompany a squad of American soldiers on patrol as they look for the enemy.

On Memorial Day (May 30th), join the staff and volunteers at Fort Meigs in honoring the men and women of our armed forces. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians reenact camp life throughout the day. A special wreath laying ceremony takes place at 2:00 p.m. in front of the monument within the fort. The ceremony ends with a wreath laying and musket firing at the Pennsylvania monument. New this year, the Pershing Rifles ROTC Drill Company from Bowling Green State University will be part of the color guard for the ceremony.

Fort Meigs is open from 9:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of the event and from Noon – 5:00 p.m. on Memorial Day. Event admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children (6 – 18 years), $1 for OHS members, and children five and under are free. New this year is a weekend pass of $13.50 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. Enjoy both days of the re-enactment for a special rate.

Fort Meigs, the largest reconstructed, wooden-walled fort in the country, is located one mile west of downtown Perrysburg at 29100 W. River Road (S.R. 65). For more information on this event or all of the other events at this National Historic Landmark, visit us on-line at www.fortmeigs.org or call 419-874-4121.